Can dogs eat hotdogs – Any Benefits?

It really depends on what type of hotdog meat is being used. If we are talking about a gourmet hotdog with succulent high-grade sausages, then your dog will certainly enjoy a bite at the meat.

If the hot dog was that good mind you, I would have a hard job handing it over to my dog Bobby, no matter how much I love him.

Manufactured processed hot dogs on the other hand are best avoided. They are not particularly good for humans let alone a dog’s digestive system that is not so accustomed to processed food.

Processed hotdogs are low in nutritional and high in preservatives. Such preservatives (such as sodium nitrate) have been linked to an increase risk of cancer.

They are also high in calories. A typical hotdog contains over 300 calories and as much as 18.5 grams of fat. Obviously if you do decide to feed your dog hotdogs, you shouldn’t feed them too much.

Can dogs eat hotdogs – Precautions

Hotdogs are high in salt in the form of sodium. We all know that high salt intake is bad for your diet. The same goes for our dogs. Too much salt in a dog’s diet can lead to problems with their heart, as well as the condition of their skin and coat.

And of course there is the flavoring. Any decent hotdog will come drowning in sauces, onion and whatever else you might decide to squirt on the top.

As is covered elsewhere on this site, such sauces are generally bad for your dog. If too much is consumed, it can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea.

Supermarket bought hotdogs are precooked and can be eaten cold. However, to avoid any potential risks you would be best placed to cook the hotdog first before feeding to your pet. Cooking will help eliminate bacteria and the chance of any salmonella poisoning.

Can dogs eat hotdogs – Conclusion

As with so many human foods, you can feed your dog hotdogs. There are no immediate risks and they are not toxic to your dog.

However, they are not particularly beneficial either. As a little treat your dog will come to no harm eating a hotdog, (and the chances are he will love the meaty taste).

But take heed of the precautions listed above, and just feed them such foods in moderation. In no way should hotdogs form a permanent part of your dogs diet.